Editing Tytania:Volume 5 Chapter 5 (section)

=== V ===
Jouslain was the supreme commander of the rebel forces besieging Uraniborg. For him to personally infiltrate enemy territory, much like a member of an amphibious assault unit, was unorthodox both strategically and tactically. When Balamy, his expression shifting, demanded an explanation, Jouslain answered:

“I shall kill the Clanner with my own hands.”

Balamy was not convinced.

“And do you intend to become the next Clanner? Still, there should be no need for you to do the deed yourself.”

“No, the Clanner’s throne means nothing to me. I will avenge Ariabert. That’s all.”

“If you do that, Duke Idris will become the next Clanner. Are you truly prepared to accept that!?”

As Balamy’s voice rose unconsciously, Jouslain gazed at the youth, who was nine years his junior, with a strange look in his eyes.

“Why do you proceed as if it were already decided that Idris shall be the next Clanner?”

“How can I ask why? If you do not take the mantle, is Duke Idris not the only one left? Of the four Dukes of Tytania, Duke Ariabert and Duke Zarlisch have already passed away. If you say that you will not become Clanner, it is only natural that Duke Idris would seize the opportunity to reap the rewards.”

Jouslain wore a smile that could not quite be called a bitter one.

“The Council of Five Families is a terrifying system.”

The Five Families, which included that of the Clanner himself, monopolised the highest authority within Tytania. Unless one first became a member of these five families, it was impossible to ascend to the seat of Clanner.

“Besides, were you not attempting to dismantle the very structure of the Council of Five Families? No, sorry, I said too much. I will not become Clanner. That is all.”

Balamy’s expression hardened. Indeed, had he not harboured dissatisfaction with the way the Council of Five Families functioned and intended to push for the late Marquis Estrade Tytania to take the Clanner’s throne, with the aim of becoming Clanner himself after ten years?

Regardless. The current Balamy was entirely in his role as Jouslain’s aide-de-camp, serving as a guardian to a young girl of barely ten years, a princess of a small and weak nation. Where had that ambitious man, who had been young and filled with vigour and spirit, vanished to? In truth, should he not have welcomed a situation where Jouslain killed the Clanner and then met his own demise?

However, at some point, almost without his realising it, Balamy’s state of mind had changed. His desire for supremacy had receded, and the sensibilities and values he had once so deliberately disregarded had grown significantly in importance.

“Then, I shall accompany you as well,” offered Balamy with determination. “If I may be so bold, my marksmanship is somewhat superior to yours. I believe I can be of some use.”

“I cannot deny that…”

“Above all, if anything were to happen to you, Princess Lydia and Lady Francia would be devastated. Please, allow me to accompany you.”

“The same would apply to you. Besides, your duty is to protect Princess Lydia. As for Francia…”

As Jouslain faltered, Balamy pressed on:

“That is why I shall accompany you, Duke Jouslain, so that we may both return alive. You are welcome to laugh at me. This is my current ambition.”

“I cannot laugh… though I have certainly twisted the course of your life quite significantly.”

As Jouslain sighed, Balamy responded with a smile that was startlingly mature:

“My life is not so cheap that it can be twisted by the hands of others. I take pride in that. No, I have become able to take pride in it. Even if I do not have your permission, I shall accompany you.”

“Very well. I appreciate it. You shall come with us.”

“It is I who appreciates it.”

After bowing, Balamy moved his gaze. Princess Lydia was staring at her knight, with Francia holding both of her shoulders. Balamy made sure to offer the most dependable smile he could manage. As if to say, ''Please believe in me''. Then, he turned his question to Jouslain.

“How do you intend to handle the command of the entire army?”

“I shall entrust it to four men: Rear-admiral Mittendorf, Rear-admiral Magnorton, Commodore Yuan, and Commodore Durey.”

It was not as if he intended to launch an offensive using any extraordinary stratagems. He only required them to maintain the siege lines around Uraniborg. Furthermore, this would not be a prolonged affair. Provided they were the four generals who had gained combat experience under Ariabert’s command and possessed steady abilities in command and troop management, they should have been able to fulfil their duties without failure.

He would not take much time. He would infiltrate Uraniborg and confront Clanner Ajman and Idris. He would kill Ajman. It was not merely about avenging Ariabert. As long as that man, who ruled Tytania and reigned over the universe, existed, he would continue to toy with the fates of others and manipulate their lives.

He had finally understood that. No, he had understood it all along but had simply turned a blind eye. Whether he was called an ambitious man or a rebel, the responsibility to strike down the Clanner had rested with Jouslain much sooner.

“Might I accompany you as well?”

Suddenly, a voice that seemed to blend a certain frivolity with audacity rang out, and a head of carrot-orange hair popped forward. Jouslain remained silent as he looked upon Fan Hyulick’s face, which showed absolutely no sign of tension, while the still half-baked pirate continued speaking.

“I actually hold an interstellar B-class pilot’s licence. I believe I could infiltrate Uraniborg more skilfully than the two of you. How about it?”

“That is unexpected.”

“Are you talking about my offer?”

“… Well, something like that.”

There were endless reasons he could list, from Hyulick’s character and his past history to the current situation. For some reason, Jouslain felt that Hyulick was someone he could trust. Even so, the gesture was somewhat presumptuous.

“Very well, then, I shall accept your offer.”

With those words, Jouslain accepted.

Hyulick was different from Princess Lydia or Francia. In all honesty, even if he ended up dragging him into this, his conscience would not suffer much. He might feel it was a pity, but nothing more than that. While aware of his own coldness, Jouslain’s decision to readily accept Hyulick’s offer was a characteristic Tytanian judgement. Jouslain himself was well aware of this fact.

“Prepare a shuttle<ref name="ftn15">“Shuttle” (機動艇) is pronounced “mobile”.</ref> immediately.”

At Jouslain’s command, one of the officers scrambled to the ship’s communication console. Balamy looked as though he wanted to say something, but in the end, he merely shrugged his shoulders in silence and accepted the situation. It was a gesture that did not suit him particularly well.

Furthermore, Jouslain turned to the four generals—Mittendorf, Magnorton, Yuan, and Durey—and formally entrusted them with the command during his absence. The four seasoned generals accepted the order, understanding that their mission was not to launch a great offensive but rather to maintain the ''status quo''.

“It may be late to say this, but this is nothing more than a family feud within a merchant house<ref name="ftn16">The expression refers to succession disputes.</ref>. It would be stranger if we involved the entire universe. Please allow us to settle this within the family.”

The matter might be settled by Jouslain himself being killed. In fact, that possibility seemed quite high.

“Captain Fredericks.”

“Understood.”

“I am sorry to have put you through so much hardship, but I entrust the safety of Princess Lydia and Francia to you.”

Jouslain deliberately avoided looking towards Francia. Captain Fredericks’ response was dignified.

“As you will.”

“Thank you. I am most grateful.”

Jouslain bowed deeply, looked around at those nearby, and offered a Tytania-style salute. He brought his right fist to his left shoulder. He had a feeling that this would be his final salute.

Upon receiving word that the shuttle was ready, Jouslain walked towards the boarding hatch. Balamy and Hyulick followed him. The bridge doors opened and closed without a sound, concealing the figures of the three men.

As Francia stood still, her hands clenched tightly, a hand was placed upon her left shoulder. When she turned around, what she saw was the face of Captain Edna Fredericks.

“Miss Francia.”

“…”

“You want to go, don’t you? Then go.”

Captain Fredericks’ words petrified Francia for a moment.

“Is it truly alright?”

“I have been entrusted with your safety by Duke Jouslain. Under that authority, I hereby permit you to depart this vessel and proceed to Uraniborg.”

Francia gasped and gripped Edna’s hands with all her strength.

“Oh, thank you, Captain Fredericks—no, please, let me call you Miss Edna. I shall take you up on your kind offer.”

“However, I cannot guarantee your safety.”

“I am aware of that.”

“Take this with you.”

Edna drew a charged particle gun from her holster and handed it to Francia.

“I shall have an autocapsule prepared for you immediately.”

“Thank you, thank you so much.”

“It is enough that I alone shall have something to regret.”

As Edna murmured those words impassively, Princess Lydia threw herself at her.

“I’m going with Francia too!”

“I am sorry, Your Highness, but you must remain here and look after the home front.”

“Why? If Francia may go, why am I forbidden from departing?”

“It is because you are still a child, Your Highness.”

“That is not my fault!”

Princess Lydia’s logical argument brought a smile to Captain Edna Fredericks’ face.

“Your Highness, there are certain things in this world that can only be accomplished by adults. That is precisely why adults exist. Furthermore, you are a person destined to one day become Queen. If you do not learn to listen closely to the opinions of others, you will never become a great monarch.”

Princess Lydia looked up at Edna’s tall stature, finding within those eyes the profound expression of a grown woman. The Princess nodded as if to persuade herself, then shouted toward the closed doors.

“Duke Jouslain, Bal, Francia! I shall wait here and be a good girl, so you must return to me safely!”

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